Although summer is not over yet, it is time to think about your winter boat maintenance plan and storage. By properly winterizing your boat, you will prolong the service life of your investment. Regular inspections of your boat before, during and after its usage and proper covered boat storage will prevent costly repairs. Here are few proper maintenance and boat storage tips.
Oil Change – Changing engine oil regularly is important, especially if a boat has been sitting in a boat storage for some time. It is recommended to change oil every 100 operating hours (consult your owner’s manual), but you should not rely on this 100%. Over time, acids build up in engine oil what can cause a corrosion. Thus, inspect the level and color of engine oil regularly and change when needed.
Transmission – It is recommended to change transmission oil once every season. Remove the old fluid and refill with the new one. It is important to run the engine, turn it off and check the fluid level right away. If you plan to change transmission fluid on your own, read the owner’s manual before you begin.
Check The Filters – Inspect the fuel filter, flame arrestor, fuel tank pick-up screen and carburetor fuel screen. Clean them or replace with new ones, if necessary.
Battery – Remove the battery, clean the terminals and store it in a dry and cool place when not using the boat. Make sure you check the charge. Be extra cautious when handling the battery since it produces explosive gases .
Cleaning– It is important to thoroughly clean the boat, inside and out. Make sure you use special cleaning products formulated for boats only. Wax and polish all metals surfaces and apply quality protectant. Use lubricant on all parts to prevent corrosion.
Covered Boat Storage – The best way to protect your boat is to store it in an indoor boat storage facility. Look for a reliable boat storage Melbourne company, one that is well equipped, offers 24/7 security monitoring and maintenance. Storing your boat in one of many boat storage Melbourne facilities will protect it from bad weather conditions, animals, corrosion, debris, dirt and rodents.
